Odisha Government Reveals Only 40 Maoists Remain Active Ahead of National Deadline
With the Centre's March 31 deadline to eradicate Naxalism from India now just over a month away, the Odisha state government disclosed on Monday that only about 40 Maoists are currently active in splinter groups across six districts. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, responding to a written query by BJD legislator Dhruba Charan Sahoo in the assembly, confirmed that these cadres are operating in isolated pockets of Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Boudh, Balangir, and Bargarh districts. He strongly reaffirmed the state's unwavering commitment to achieving the national target of eliminating Left-wing extremism (LWE) entirely.
Security Classifications and Recent Declarations of Maoist-Free Districts
Chief Minister Majhi provided detailed insights into the security landscape, noting that Kandhamal is the sole district in Odisha covered under the Centre's security-related expenditure (SRE) scheme. Additionally, eight districts—Malkangiri, Koraput, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Boudh, and Balangir—are classified as 'legacy and thrust' zones. According to Odisha police, these 'legacy and thrust' districts are areas where extremism has either completely collapsed or is on the verge of being eradicated.
Significantly, since January 19, Odisha police have officially declared Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Koraput, and Boudh as Maoist-free following the surrender of the last active cadres in these regions. This marks a substantial milestone in the state's ongoing efforts to combat insurgency and restore peace.
Enhanced Security Deployments and Modernized Operations
To consolidate these gains and ensure the complete elimination of Maoist threats, the Odisha government has deployed extensive security forces. This includes 71 companies of central armed police forces, 44 special operation group (SOG) teams, 839 district voluntary force (DVF) jawans, 49 platoons of the India Reserve Battalion, 29 platoons of the special security battalion, and 92 platoons of the Odisha Special Striking Force.
Intelligence-driven combing operations and area domination activities have been significantly intensified, supported by state-of-the-art modern equipment such as drones, UAV interceptors, advanced weapons, and upgraded communication systems. Counter-insurgency training programs have also been expanded to enhance the overall capabilities and readiness of police personnel across the state.
Coordinated Anti-Maoist Strategies and Development Initiatives
Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that anti-Maoist operations are now being coordinated at the sub-divisional level, with strengthened intelligence networks and systematic disruption of Maoist supply chains. Alongside these robust security measures, the government is ensuring the effective implementation of development schemes in affected areas to address root causes of unrest.
Maoists are being consistently urged to abandon violence and take advantage of the revised surrender and rehabilitation policy, which offers pathways to reintegration into mainstream society. This dual approach of security enforcement and developmental outreach aims to create a sustainable environment free from extremism.
The state's proactive measures reflect a comprehensive strategy to meet the impending national deadline, showcasing Odisha's dedication to eradicating Left-wing extremism and fostering long-term peace and prosperity in the region.
